Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) voxel size on the evaluation of debris accumulation after passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in curved root canals prepared with rotary nickel-titanium files. Mesial root canals (n = 24) of mandibular molars with curvature between 25° and 35° were prepared using ProDesign Logic 30/.05 (PDL) or HyFlex EDM 25/.08 (HEDM). PUI was performed after root canal preparation of all root canals. The specimens were scanned using high-resolution (5 μm voxel size) micro-CT imaging before and after experimental procedures. The percentage of debris was analyzed in the middle and apical thirds using images with 5, 10 and 20 μm voxel sizes. Data were compared using unpaired and paired Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's statistical tests (α = 0.05). There were no differences among the debris analyses performed at different voxel sizes (5, 10 and 20 μm) (p > 0.05). The percentage of debris was similar between the root canals prepared by PDL and HEDM before and after PUI (p > 0.05). In both groups, the percentage of debris decreased in the middle third after PUI (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, it can be concluded that the voxel sizes evaluated did not have a significant impact on the analysis of accumulated debris. However, the results showed a tendency for detection of more debris in the analysis performed using a lower voxel size. PUI decreased the debris accumulation in the middle third of curved root canals.
Highlights
The aim of root canal treatment is to prevent apical periodontitis, by eliminating microorganisms from the root canal system.[1]
Hard tissue debris is deposited on root canal walls after root canal preparation.[2]
There were no differences among the debris analyses performed at different voxel sizes (5, 10 and 20 μm) (p > 0.05)
Summary
The aim of root canal treatment is to prevent apical periodontitis, by eliminating microorganisms from the root canal system.[1] hard tissue debris is deposited on root canal walls after root canal preparation.[2] The presence of debris in the root canal makes disinfection difficult,[2,3] and decreases sealer adhesion to dentinal tubules.[4] Paqué et al.[2] developed a method to view and analyze accumulated hard tissue debris in root canals using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Micro-CT imaging has been used to evaluate debris accumulation.[5,6,7,8,9]. Micro-CT analysis can be influenced by many factors, such as different scan settings, image resolutions and ring artifacts.[10] Different
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
